Apparatus and method for collecting energy

ABSTRACT

A lens, fabricated from a plurality of materials, each having an associated index of refraction, is used to focus and direct light into one or more optical fibers, coupled to the lens and used to collect light and transmit the collected light to an energy converter, a lighting or heating system, or a lighting or heating apparatus. The collected light may be converted to electricity by powering a steam turbine generator, thermal photo-voltaic cells, or the like. The collected light may also be supplied as a centralized light source to reflective lighting fixtures connected by fiber optics.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation in Part Application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/921,087, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,895,145, filed Aug.2, 2001, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entiretyherein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a light collection apparatus and methodthat utilizes a number of light collectors, which collect light energy,each having a lens, having a spherical surface and optical fibers fordirecting the collected light to an energy transfer or a number oflighting fixtures. A plurality of fibers is disposed relative to asurface of the lens to optimize collection of light.

Each of the applications and patents cited in this text, as well as eachdocument or reference cited in each of the applications and patents(including during the prosecution of each issued patent; “applicationcited documents”), and each of the PCT and foreign applications orpatents corresponding to and/or claiming priority from any of theseapplications and patents, and each of the documents cited or referencedin each of the application cited documents, are hereby expresslyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety. More generally,documents or references are cited in this text, either in a ReferenceList before the claims, or in the text itself; and, each of thesedocuments or references (“herein-cited references”), as well as eachdocument or reference cited in each of the herein-cited references(including any manufacturer's specifications, instructions, etc.), ishereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Energy consumption continues to increase with technologicaladvancements. “Traditional” energy sources, such as coal, oil andnatural gas (fossil fuels) continue to be depleted, and the use of suchenergy sources has caused a significant amount of pollution to theenvironment. Consequently, alternative energy sources, which havereduced negative pollution effects, have been in development. Althoughmany of these alternatives address some of the problems with“traditional” energy sources, most do not provide an adequate solution.

For example, nuclear energy is a relatively efficient and long-lastingenergy source. However, it presents immense environment concerns.Another alternative energy source is hydro-electric power plants, whichwhile providing energy with essentially no air pollution, alter entirelocal ecosystems due to construction of generation facilities.

Thus, there is an increasing need for an inexpensive, efficient, clean,and non-depleting energy source.

Technology for harnessing solar energy (thermal and light energy) hasbeen in development in hopes of establishing a clean, safe, andnon-depleting power source. However, there has not been a suitablemethod of collecting and utilizing this energy source. Parameters forharnessing solar energy change constantly with the time of day, weather,location of the collection device and other factors. As a result, aflexible system that can efficiently convert solar energy to usable formof energy and that can quickly and efficiently adjust to parameterchanges is needed in order to be a viable energy source.

A number of apparatuses for providing a viable solar powered energysource have been in development. With respect to such apparatuses,reference is made to the following:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,830, issued to Daniel, involves an apparatus forcollecting, distributing and utilizing solar radiation including a solarcollection panel having an array of solar gathering cells which provideradiation to a light collecting unit, which provides radiation as asingle beam to a lens system for providing a coherent beam to alightpipe. This beam is then directed to use units such as a light toelectricity converter, heat distributing elements and light distributingelements.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,943,125, issued to Laundre, et al. relates to a solarcollector for the collection and distribution of incidentelectromagnetic radiation, having optic fibers as direct means for solarenergy concentration and collection, and a hemispherical collectorallowing for the even collection of sunlight regardless of the sun'sposition relative to the horizon.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,442, issued to Fertig is directed to a light pipeenergy conservation system that includes: a plurality of photovoltaiccell arrays mounted on substances, and exterior transparent protectivedome and reflector; a light concentrator means; a battery chargecontroller; and a rechargeable battery or plurality of batteries.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,078,548, issued to Kapany involves a solar panel thatincludes a window portion interposed between incident light and a heatabsorbing portion, at least one of the heat absorbing and windowportions having a plurality of spaced apart reflecting surfaces,separate ones of which face each other and transmit the incident lightby multiple reflections to the heat absorbing portion.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,237,867, issued to Bauer is directed to solar energyabsorbing means in solar collectors provided by matts of a fibrousmaterial, which by its chemical composition absorbs solar radiation, forconverting the solar energy to thermal energy within the fiber itself.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,444, issued to McLean relates to a solar collectiondevice used to maximize solar collection by a plurality of fixedcollectors that concentrate all available sunlight on its surface into asingle transfer conduit. The device uses fiber optics in pre-arrangedand fixed arrays that will track the inclination of the sun's rayswithout moving by using a single directional convergent lens.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,019,768 and 5,223,781, both issued to Criswell, et al.pertain to a system for transmitting microwaves to one or more receiverassemblies. This system includes an array of separate microwavetransmitting assemblies for emitting a plurality of microwave beams, thearray being arranged to apparently fill a radiating aperture ofpredetermined shape and size when viewed from the direction of areceiver assembly, and a phase controlling assembly associated with themicrowave transmitting assemblies for controlling the relative phase ofthe emitted beams to form at least one composite shaped microwave beamdirected to at least one receiver assembly.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,054 issued to Goldstein is directed to asuperemissive light pipe includes a photon transmitting opticallytransparent host having a body and oppositely arranged end portions.

While these references provides examples of apparatus for collectingsolar energy, none of these patents discloses or suggests a lightcollection method and apparatus that is a sufficiently consistent andreliable source for providing electrical power to be adaptable to atraditional power system for electrical power.

It has therefore been found desirable to design a light energycollection apparatus and method with the advantages as noted below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problemsfor providing a clean, efficient and reliable energy source.

To address the above-described problems and to achieve other advantages,a light collection method and apparatus that includes direct energyconversion of collected light to usable power is provided. In accordancewith an embodiment of the invention, arrays of light converging lensesconcentrate solar light, which is transmitted via optical fibers topower a steam turbine generator.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, arrays of lightconverging lenses concentrate solar light, which is transmitted viaoptical fibers to provide internal lighting and/or heating. Alternativepower sources, such as utility powered lighting may be used as a backupsystem for such internal lighting.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a central lightingsystem is provided where collected light is distributed to a number oflight fixtures.

Furthermore, another embodiment of the present invention is directed toa lens that has a first portion, fabricated from a first material, withan associated index of refraction. The lens also has a second portion,fabricated from a second material, with an associated index ofrefraction. The index of refraction of the second material is higherthan the index of refraction of the first material. The second materialmay surround the first material.

It is also an embodiment of the present invention that additionalportions of the lens may be fabricated from materials with associatedindices of refraction.

As will be described herein, another embodiment of the present inventionis directed to an apparatus for collecting energy. The apparatusincludes a lens adapted to focus light received from a source of light;and a plurality of fibers, each fiber disposed in a first predeterminedrelationship to other fibers and each fiber disposed in a secondpredetermined relationship to the lens. The first predeterminedrelationship and the second predetermined relationship enable each fiberto have a specific energy collecting coefficient as a function of ashape of the lens and a position of the source of light.

The present invention is also directed to an apparatus for collectingsolar energy. The apparatus includes a lens for receiving solar energy,the lens having a curved surface portion. A plurality of fibers isarranged such that each fiber is disposed at a predetermined positionrelative to the curved surface portion of the lens. The predeterminedposition is a function of the focal point of the lens and each fiber hasa maximum collection capability as a function of time.

The invention accordingly comprises the several steps and the relationof one or more of such steps with respect to each of the others, and theapparatus embodying features of construction, combination(s) of elementsand arrangement of parts that are adapted to effect such steps, all asexemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of theinvention may be indicated in the claims.

These and other embodiments of the invention are provided in, or areobvious from, the following detailed description.

In this disclosure, “comprises,” “comprising,” and the like can have themeaning ascribed to them in U.S. Patent law and can mean “includes,”“including,” and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is illustrated by way of example, and not limitation, inthe figures. Like references indicate similar elements.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show the use of a convex lens and a spherical lens,respectively, for directing light rays into an optical fiber inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the geometry of the spherical lens of FIG.1B;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are views of the spherical lens of FIG. 1B including aninterface for attaching to an array in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D are diagrams illustrating the attachment ofspherical light collection lenses to an array according to an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 5 is an expanded view of the assembly of a mating adapter forconnecting an optical fiber to a light collection lens in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B show the assembled mating adapter of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing, respectively, the middle sectionand the bottom panel of the lens array of FIGS. 4A and 4B;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an interface for controlling the lightenergy output of a lens array in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 9 shows a cutoff switch for use in the interface of FIG. 8according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a generator system powered by collector lens arraysin accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 shows the use of collected light and light from a secondarysource for centralized lighting in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a centralized lighting system in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 shows a multi-source lighting device according to the embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates the beam control and light fixtures for use in thesystem of FIG. 12 or the fixture of FIG. 22 in accordance withrespective embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams showing a light distribution apparatusand a light combiner, respectively, according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIGS. 16, 17, 18, and 19 illustrate heating devices in accordance withrespective embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 20A and 20B show a large-scale distiller and a small-scaledistiller, respectively, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 illustrates an electricity generator in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a street lamp fixture according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 23 shows a light source device for use in the system of FIG. 12 orthe fixture of FIG. 22 in accordance with respective embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 24 illustrates a light collection facility according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 25 shows a light collection configuration in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a solar-boosted fusion assembly 2600 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 27, 28A-D, 29 and 30 are diagrams and tables illustrating theprinciples for collecting solar light energy using the inventive designof the collection unit according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 31 illustrates the advantages of using a multi-stage collectionunit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 32A to 32D are diagrams showing a collection unit according torespective embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 33A to 33C illustrate the interface between a collection unit anda transmission medium according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 34A to 34C are diagrams illustrating a collection unit accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 35 shows a side view of a lens that can be used with a collectionapparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 36 shows the interaction of light from the sun with the lens of thepresent invention;

FIG. 37 shows a top view of a lens according to the present invention;

FIG. 38 shows a view of solar energy collection according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 39 shows a side view of a plurality of fibers and a lens;

FIG. 40 shows a side view of a plurality of fibers coupled together;

FIG. 41 shows a collection panel collecting solar energy; and

FIG. 42 shows a perspective view of a collection apparatus according tothe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate light collection by directing incoming lightinto an optical fiber, which may then transmit the collected light totransfer the collected energy, according to respective embodiments ofthe invention. As shown in FIG. 1A, a light collection system 100 a mayinclude a convex lens 105 and an optical fiber 110. For a distant lightsource (e.g. the sun), incoming light 115 passing through convex lens105 is bent inward, or made to converge, to a focal point 117 of lens105 (the place where light rays 115 converge). Lens 105 may be made froma number of transparent materials, each with a corresponding index ofrefraction (denoted by the variable n). For example, acrylic has anindex of refraction of 1.49 (n=1.49) and Pyrex glass has an index ofrefraction of 1.39 (n=1.39). Optical fiber 110 may be placed at or nearfocal point 117 of lens 105 for collecting the converged light.

Optical fiber 110 may be any light transmission medium that preservesthe energy level (wavelength, intensity, etc.) of light transmittedtherein. Although any type of fiber optic cable can be used (withinreasonable parameters), fused silica and other high performance fibersare preferred over conventional plastic fiber. All types of fiber opticcable are highly efficient (minimal attenuation), with maximizedefficiency less than two percent (2%) loss/km. Additionally, opticalfiber 110 may be bundled or solid core—although bundled fiber ispreferred over thicker cable for increase flexibility. Fiber opticsutilizes the physical principle of total internal reflection, which is100% reflective. Thus, no energy is lost each time the light bounces onthe wall of a fiber optic cable. The only energy lost is that which isabsorbed into the material of the cable itself. Other types of lighttransmission media, such as hollow light pipes coated with reflectivematerial, may also be used. However, such pipes are bulky andinefficient, thus limiting the distance of transmission and utility.

In many instances, a point source is not optimal for light collection.Therefore, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, opticalfiber 110 may be place slightly closer to lens 105 than the focaldistance (distance from lens 105 to focal point 117) thereof.

FIG. 1B shows a modified light collection system 100 b that utilizes aspherical lens 120 in place of convex lens 105 in FIG. 1A. As shown inFIG. 1B, spherical lens 120 acts as a converging lens on incoming light115 in a similar manner to lens 105 by operation of lens section 125.Spherical lens 120 may further act as an aligned converging lens onincoming light rays 135 from a different direction by operation of lenssection 130. Thus, spherical lens 120 may be effective in converginglight rays 115 and 135 from different directions into fiber 110 withoutthe need for realignment. As with lens 105, lens 120 may be made from anumber of transparent materials, each with a corresponding index ofrefraction (denoted by the variable n). For example, acrylic has anindex of refraction of 1.49 (n=1.49) and Pyrex glass has an index ofrefraction of 1.39 (n=1.39). Optical fiber 110 may be placed at or nearfocal point 117 of lens 105 for collecting the converged light.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are a side view and a top view of lens 120,respectively, to illustrate the spherical geometry of lens 120 and theconvergence of lights 115, 135 and 205 from different directions to acenter point 210 of the spherical outer surface 215 having a radius R oflens 120. As shown in FIG. 2A, lens section 125 converges light 115,lens section 130 converges light 135, and lens section 217 convergeslight 205, respectively, with corresponding focal lengths 220, 225, and230. Thus, spherical lens 120 allows for uniform geometry from any pointof lens 120.

As described above, lens 120, which may hereinafter also be referred toas a “Collector Unit” or a “Refractive Unit” or collection meansaccording to an embodiment of the invention is a refractive unit, ratherthan a system of reflective mirrors and lenses which are bulky,difficult to maintain, and expensive. Refraction offers far higherefficiency than reflective mirrors (reflective mirrors require polishingwhich increases the overall cost of operation). A Refractive unit, i.e.,lens 120, can be manufactured using a molding process (such as injectionmolding or vacuum molding), which is relatively inexpensive andefficient. Thus, the present invention allows for changing thecharacteristics of lens 120 by changing the index of refraction thereofrather than changing its curvature. As a result, manufacturingefficiency is increased where different units may still have the sameshape made from the same mold.

The principles for the multidirectional light collection by sphericallens 120 according to the present invention will be discussed in furtherdetail below. As will also be described in further detail below, lens120 may utilize multiple layers made up of materials with varyingrefractive indices.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show the side view and the bottom view, respectively, oflens (shown as 120 herein, and described with relation to FIGS. 3A and3B) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIGS.3A and 3B, lens 120 may include a mating assembly 305 disposed on anassembly ring interface 310, which may be integrated to lens 120 or maybe attached sections thereof. In accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, lens 120, mating assembly 305, and assembly ring interface310 form a whole unit that is injection molded into one piece for easeof assembly and replacement. Assembly ring interface 310 may run alongthe circumferential base edge 315 of lens 120 for mounting lens 120 ontoan array 405, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D, lens 120 may be affixed to anarray 405 that includes a number of lenses for collecting light. FIGS.4A and 4B illustrate the top view and the side view, respectively, ofarray 405. As shown in FIG. 4B, array 405 may include a top panel 410, amiddle section 415, and a bottom panel 420 for securing multiple lenses(e.g., lens 120).

FIG. 4C shows the detailed assembly of affixing lens 120 to array 405.Top panel 410 includes a circular opening 425 for fitting the sphericalshape of lens 120 therethrough. Top panel 410 may also include threads430 for securing an O-ring 435 and lens 120 by engaging correspondingthreads 445 on a locking ring 440. Locking ring 440 may include handles450 for turning and engaging threads 445 on locking ring 440 to threads430 on top panel 410. FIG. 4D includes a side view and a top view oflocking ring 440 to illustrate threads 445 and handles 450. Referringback to FIGS. 4B and 4C, a mating adapter 455 may be used to attachfiber 110 to mating assembly 305 of lens 120.

FIGS. 5, 6A, and 6B show an expanded assembly view, a side view, and atop view, respectively, of mating adapter 455 in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 5, mating adapter 455includes a main body 505 having a center channel 510 that decreases incircumference and forms a circular ledge 512, screw threads 515 aroundthe bottom of the inner wall of center channel 510, and openings 520around the circumference of main body 505. In accordance with anembodiment of the invention, center channel 510 houses a retractablepivot assembly 525 that secures fiber 110. Retractable pivot assembly525 includes: a fiber clamp 530, a retaining ring 535, a ball joint 540,an assembly body 545, a clamp 550, a spring 555, a rubber stopper 560,and a bottom cap 565. Fiber 110 is fitted through a center channel 570in rubber stopper 560, a center channel 575 in assembly body 545, and acenter channel 580 in ball joint 540 up to fiber clamp 530, which may betightened around fiber 110 to secure it in place by tightening a screw585. Fiber clamp 530 may be screwed on (or otherwise attached) to balljoint 540 which is secured within assembly body 545 by securingretaining ring 535 to threads 590. Thus, retaining ring 535 may holdball joint 540 within a cavity 595 in assembly body 545 in a manner thatallows ball joint 540 to pivot, and, thus, account for manufacturingvariations and thermal expansion. Assembly body 545 includes retainingrings 597 for engaging the inner wall of center channel 510 of main body505. Clamp 550 secures fiber 110 to assembly body 545. Spring 555 andrubber stopper 560 provide engagement of retaining rings 597 to circularledge 512 in center channel 510 by pushing against bottom cap 565.

As shown in FIG. 6A, retractable pivot assembly 525, as shown in FIG. 5,and described herein, is fitted through center channel 510, as shown inFIG. 5, and described herein, of main body 505. Bottom cap 565 includesthreads 605 and handles 610 for engaging threads 515. Thus, spring 555pushes assembly body 545, as shown in FIG. 5, and described herein up sothat an upper retaining ring 597 is against ledge 512 in center channel510. Thus, by screwing bottom cap 565 into center channel 510,retractable pivot assembly 525 is secured in main body 505 of matingadapter 455. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, fiber 110, as shown in FIGS.1A and 1B and described herein, clamped in fiber clamp 530 may form thetarget area for lens 120, described herein, when mating adapter 455 isattached to mating assembly 305, as shown in FIG. 3A, and describedherein. As described before, ball joint 540 may pivot to account formanufacturing variations and thermal expansion. In other words, topsurface 640 of mating adaptor 455, which includes an input for collectedlight into fiber 110, described herein, is pivoted to engage the bottomsurface of lens 120, described herein, at center point 210, as shown inFIG. 3A and described herein.

In each of openings 520 on main body 505 of mating adapter 455, a spring615 pushes a ball 620 against a retaining plate 625 that is attached tomain body 505 (e.g., screwed into place by engaging threads on openings520). Thus, as shown by reference number 630, a part of ball 620protrudes on the outer surface of main body 505. The outward pressureprovided by spring 615 allows for engaging 630 (or ball 620) tocorresponding notches in mating assembly 305 (described herein). As aresult, mating adapter 455 may be easily and securely attached to anddetached from mating assembly 305 (described herein). Furthermore, theconnection between fiber 110 and lens 120 (fiber 110 and 120 describedherein) is thus sealed from external interference (such as dust,moisture, etc.).

It is noted that one or more photo sensors (not shown) may be mounted onmating adapter 455 for measuring light input in fiber 110. Temperaturesensors (not shown) may also be included in main body 505, assembly body545, or any part of mating adapter 455 to monitor the temperature anddetermine the effectiveness of light collection.

By monitoring the temperature of mating adapter 455, it may bedetermined whether light is being converged into fiber 110 (describedherein) effectively or whether incoming light is at an angle such thatlight is not reaching fiber 110 (described herein). As will be describedin further detail below, array 405 may include a system for changing theangle of the attached lens (including lens 120) to maximize collectionof incoming light. Thus, temperature sensors may be used for determiningthe angle of the incoming light, and thereby adjusting the angle ofarray 405.

Referring back to FIGS. 4A and 4B, lens 120 is secured to array 405where mating adapter 455 secures fiber 110 (described herein) to thetarget area at center point 210 of lens 120 (center point 210 and lens120 are described herein) by engaging mating assembly 305 (describedherein). Fiber guides 460 are disposed between top panel 410 and middlesection 415 of array 405 for guiding fiber (110) along array 405. FIG.7A illustrates the top view of middle section 415. As shown in FIG. 7A,fiber guides 460 guide fiber 110 to an array control 705 and a fibercontrol interface 710 for array 405. FIG. 7B shows bottom panel 420where a locking mechanism 715 and a hinge 720 provide for opening andclosing an access panel 725 and allowing access to the interior of array405.

FIG. 8 illustrates fiber control interface 710 for controlling theenergy output of fiber (110) in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. As shown in FIG. 8, interface 710 may include a fiber input805 where fibers from the lenses on array 405 (array 405 is describedherein and includes fiber 110 from lens 120) are connected through acut-off switch 810 to a fiber output 815, which may be connected to apower system, a lighting system, etc. As will be described in furtherdetail below, cut-off switch 810 provides for turning on and off fiberoutput 815 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In otherwords, the light collected at array (405) may be turned on and off usingcut-off switch 810.

Fiber control interface 710 may also includes a system for cooling array(405) and cut-off switch 810. As shown in FIG. 8, interface 710 mayinclude an air intake 820 where cool exterior air is drawn in by a fan825. The drawn-in air may be directed through an air bypass 830 to theinterior of array (405) and through a master duct 835 to cut-off switch810. Fan 825 may be controlled by a microprocessor 840, which may alsocontrol cut-off switch 810 through an electrical switch control 842.Microprocessor 840 may be powered by an electrical bus 845 connected toarray (405). Electrical bus 845 may be connected to one or more solarcells (not shown) in array (405) for converting solar energy toelectrical power needed to power microprocessor 840, fan 825, cut-offswitch 810, etc. Cut-off switch 810 may be connected to an array ofthermal photo-voltaic (“TPV”) cells 850 that can be an alternativesource of power when array 405 is switched off. The heat exhaust fromcooling array 405 and cut-off switch 810 may be passed out through avent 860.

FIG. 9 illustrates cut-off switch 810 in accordance with an embodimentof the invention. As shown in FIG. 9, cut-off switch 810 may include aprism 905. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, prism 905may include a reflective surface 910. FIG. 9 shows cut-off switch 810 inan “on” position where prism 905 is slid out of the path of the lightpassing through from fiber input 805 to fiber output 815. When cut-offswitch is turned “off,” microprocessor 840 (shown in FIG. 8) controlsdrive motor 915 to turn worm gear 920 to slide prism 905 into the path(or line of sight) between fiber input 805 and fiber output 815. As aresult, prism 905 may deflect (by refraction and/or reflection) thecollected light from array (405) onto TPV cells 850 where the energy maybe converted and stored in a storage device (not shown), such as abattery and the like. TPV cells 850 may include a heat sink 930 toprevent overheating. It is noted that any type of energy absorbing cells(e.g., photo-voltaic cell) may be used to convert and store the lightenergy deflected by prism 905 when cut-off switch 810 is turned off. TPVcells 850 are preferred because they are effective in converting a fullrange of visible and infra-red lights and are also effective inconverting heat energy, whereas other types of cells may have much lowertolerances for heat. Thermo Photovoltaic Systems are far more effectivethan existing systems because they utilize all frequencies of light, notjust the visible spectrum.

TPV Systems offer unprecedented efficiency (200×) when compared tonormal photovoltaic systems. Highly increased efficiency allows TPVmodule to be extremely portable and powerful. A TPV System converts allavailable wavelengths into electrical energy unlike PV systems, whichonly utilize select wavelengths. According to the Second Law ofThermodynamics, the entropy of a system and its environment alwaysincreases. All forms of light will be converted into heat and used bythe TPV cells, thus allowing for generation of both light and electricalpower. Furthermore, an alternative energy source (not shown), such as anintegrated gas/oil burner, may complete the TPV system by providinginfra-red, or heat, to TPV cells when solar energy is not available.

When cut-off switch 810 is turned “on,” the light collected at array 405is passed through to fiber output 815. As illustrated in FIG. 10, fiberoutput 815 may be connected to a power generation system 1000. The lightat fiber output 815 may be directed to beam dispersion inputs 1005 of aconversion chamber 1010. The light is, thus dispersed to a fluid-filledcontainer 1015 in conversion chamber 1010. The fluid may be any type ofheat conducting medium. Container 1015 may include reflective interiorwalls so that the light from beam dispersion inputs 1005 is reflectedback into the fluid in container 1015. The fluid in container 1015 mayinclude suspended particles of carbon that absorb the dispersed solarlight. It is noted that the liquid may include any type of lightabsorbing media and is not limited to carbon particles. By absorbing thelight, the carbon particles heat the fluid in conversion chamber 1010.The heated fluid is pumped to a heat exchanger 1020 where it is used toheat and boil water 1025 to create steam 1030. As a result, the fluid iscooled at heat exchange 1020, and pumped back into conversion chamber1010 to be reheated. A pump 1035 may be used to pump the fluid betweenconversion chamber 1010 and heat exchanger 1020. Steam 1030 from heatexchanger 1020 is directed to and turns a steam turbine 1040 connectedto a generator 1045. Power is thereby generated. The steam is thenpassed through a condenser 1050 where the exhaust heat from steam 1030is recycled or expelled. The resulting water is pumped back to heatexchanger 1020 by a water pump 1055. The waste heat from cooling thesteam in condenser 1050 may be directed to TPV cells 850 (shown in FIG.8) for generating reserve power to be used when array 405 is unavailableor turned “off.” (It is noted that water 1025 may be directly heated bya light absorbing medium, whereby collected light may be direct to saidmedium.)

With the arrangement described above, generator 1045 may be used as areliable power source. In accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, generator 1045 may be a stand alone power source for a home,an industrial level power source for servicing one or more industrialfacilities, a commercial power plant, etc. A further advantage of powergeneration system 1000 is that it may be combined with any other typesof power systems. For example, a traditional fossil fuel generator maybe used to heat water 1025 or power generator 1045 in combination withpower system 1000.

In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, fiberoutput 815 from control interface 710 (as shown in FIG. 8 and describedherein) may be connected to a central lighting beam control apparatus1100, as shown in FIG. 11. Beam control apparatus 1100 may include asecondary light source 1105, which may be a high efficiency interiorlight source powered by an independent power source other than the powergeneration system of the present invention. For example, secondary lightsource 1105 may be a high intensity discharge xenon light, a fluorescenttube, a sodium vapor high-output light, a light emitting diode (“LED”),a halogen lamp (which may be boosted for color balance), a standardlight bulb, etc. Thus, apparatus 1100 and light source 1105 are modularand replaceable. A microprocessor 1110 may be included to control anamount and/or characteristic (e.g., the color balance) of light atlighting output 1115 in accordance with lighting requirements bycontrolling a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) 1120. A beamsplitter 1125may be included to split the outputted light at lighting output 1115 toa number of lighting fixtures. Control may be based on user input andthe amount and/or characteristic (e.g. color balance) of light availablefrom fiber output 815. Accordingly, microprocessor 1110 may control theamount and/or characteristic (e.g., color balance) of light from fiberoutput 815 and secondary source 1115 outputted at lighting output 1115.

Lighting output 1115 may be connected to a number of light fixtures forproviding a centralized lighting source for these fixtures. FIG. 12illustrates a centralized lighting system 1200 in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 12, fiber output 815 fromarray 405 may be connected to a beam control switch 1205. With referenceto FIG. 8, electrical control 842 may also be connected to beam controlswitch 1205. Accordingly, the light output from array 405 may becontrolled via electrical control 842 by turning cut-off switch 810 onand off. An alternative source apparatus 1210, which will be describedin further detail below, may also be connected to beam control switch1205 via one or more optical fibers 1215. Beam control switch 1205 maybe controlled using a master switch 1220. Thus, according to user inputat master switch 1220, beam control switch 1205 may control therespective amounts of light from array 405 and alternative sourceapparatus 1210 to be switched to outputs 1225 and 1230 of beam controlswitch 1205. Outputs 1225 and 1230 are connected to beamsplitters 1235and 1240, respectively, for providing light to fixtures 1245, 1250,1255, and 1260. Fixtures 1245, 1250, 1255, and 1260 may be any type oflighting fixtures for flood and/or spot lighting. As will be describedin further detail below, one or more of lighting fixtures 1245, 1250,1255, and 1260 may include feedback to beam control switch 1205 forproviding information on the amount of light being outputted atrespective fixtures. Based on the feedback information, beam controlswitch 1205 may appropriately adjust the amount of light outputted atoutputs 1225 and 1230.

FIG. 13 illustrates alternative source apparatus 1210 in accordance withan embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 13, alternative sourceapparatus 1210 may be formed by a tube 1302 that includes a light source1305, which may be powered by an external source 1310, such asconventional utility power. Tube 1302 may include a reflective innersurface. Light source 1305 may be a high intensity discharge xenonlight, a fluorescent tube, a sodium vapor high-output light, a lightemitting diode (“LED”), a halogen lamp (which may be boosted for colorbalance), a standard light bulb, etc. A heat conductor 1312 may beconnected to light source 1305 to prevent overheating. In accordancewith an embodiment of the invention, heat conductor 1312 may direct theheat from light source 1305 to TPV cells 850 (shown in FIG. 8) forstoring the energy. Alternative source apparatus 1210 may furtherinclude a headlight-like reflector 1315 for reflecting the light fromlight source 1305 to form a parallel beam across tube 1302. On theopposite end of tube 1302, a dish-type collector 1320 reflects the beamfrom reflector 1315 to a focal point reflector 1325, where the focusedreflection is directed to an output to fiber 1215. An attachmentmechanism, e.g., screw threads, 1330 may be included for easy detachmentof reflector 1315 from tube 1302 so that light source 1305 may bereplaced with ease. As shown in FIG. 12, fiber 1215 is connected to beamcontrol switch 1205.

Beam control switch 1205 according to an embodiment of the inventionwill now be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 14, beam controlswitch 1205 includes an input 1405 from fiber output (815) (i.e., array405) and an input 1410 from fiber output 1215 (i.e., alternative sourceapparatus). The light received at inputs 1405 and 1410 are combined to athick fiber 1415. A one-way reflecting or semi-reflecting coating 1420may be disposed at the input of thick fiber 1415 to prevent light fromleaking back to inputs 1405 and 1410. An “LCD” 1425 may be disposed atthick fiber 1415 to provide red, green, and blue light filtering forcolor correction of light, dimming of fixtures, and brightness control.The light passing through LCD 1425 enters beamsplitter 1235 and/or 1240where it is split to a number of output fibers leading to respectivelighting fixtures, as shown in FIG. 12. Fixtures 1250 and 1260 are alsoillustrated in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 14, fixture 1250 may be a floodlight having spherical geometry for eliminating chromatic aberration,and made with highly refractive material to ensure maximum dispersion.Fixture 1250 may further include a reflective (e.g., silver) innercoating for maximum light projection. An LED or Organic Light EmittingDiode (“OLED”) 1430 may be mounted at the periphery of fixture 1250 toprovide night time and/or low level illumination. LED or OLED 1430 maybe independently powered or powered by the system of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 14, fixture 1260 may be a spot light havingreflectors 1435 and 1440. Fixture 1260 may also include an LED or OLED1445 for night time and/or low level illumination. Fixtures 1250 and1260 may each also include a photosensor 1450 and 1455, respectively,for measuring the light outputted. Since beamsplitter 1235/1240disperses light evenly to its connected fixtures, only one photosensor1450/1455 may be needed for each group of fixtures (e.g., 1245 and 1250,or 1255 and 1260). Light measurement data is forwarded back to amicroprocessor 1460 of beam control switch 1205. Based on the lightmeasurement data received from various photosensors (1450/1455),microprocessor 1460 controls LCD 1425 and secondary (internal) source1210 (as shown in FIG. 12) to control the amount and property of lightprovided to the corresponding fixtures (1245 and 1250/1255 and 1260).Microprocessor 1460 may be powered by collectors (405) and/or asecondary power source 1465.

The central lighting systems illustrated by FIGS. 11 to 14 may be usedin any residential, commercial, or industrial systems. Increasedbenefits of such central lighting systems include: less bulky, easier tochange lights, reflects bad light waves, safer (reduces the amount ofelectrical wiring in a building, reducing risk from a short circuit),power saver. Infrared radiation is absorbed to produce energy, insteadof being reflected or absorbed as waste and heat. Visible light isdirected and used as lighting.

Furthermore, systems 1100 and 1200 may be used to generate power as wellas light. Systems 1100 and 1200 are modular allowing easy installation,removal and maintenance. The modular light capture chambers (e.g., 1210)allows light sources (e.g., 1305) to be located in a convenient locationinstead of difficult to reach fixtures. Light Capture chambers (e.g.1240) redirect all the light, through the bundled fiber optic cable(e.g., 1215), to any desired location. Existing systems use shades, lampcovers or fixtures to obtain the desired brightness and direction. Theseolder systems allow for much waste compared to systems 1100 and 1200according to the respective embodiments of the invention.

As mentioned before, the light collection methods and apparatuses of thepresent invention make use of sunlight as a renewable natural resourcethat can generate energy for large-scale operations, such as powerplants, on a more efficient and less waste producing method thancurrently used solar thermal systems. Collector arrays (405) are highlyscalable and modular. Minimizing maintenance and expansion costs. Largenumbers of collector arrays (405) channel solar energy, via fiber optics(110), to a conversion chamber (1010, FIG. 10). Conversion chamber(1010) may be filled with conductive heat absorbing liquid with lightabsorbing media (i.e., oil with suspended carbon powder). Thisconcentrates the greatest amount of energy in the smallest amount ofspace and minimizes loss through insulation. This heated fluid is thenpumped though a heat exchanger (1020) that boils water. The resultingsteam is used to drive a turbine (1040) and produce electricity. Theamount of piping used is kept to a minimum and not strewn about theentire facility. There is substantial savings in maintenance and farless piping, thus minimizing energy losses. As mentioned before, thewater may be heated directly by light absorbing media.

Solar Furnaces may also utilize large-scale mirrors that are focusedonto a single point. They are not scalable and quickly reach a maximumnumber of mirrors, after which any increase in the number of mirrorswill have limited benefit. These “mirror furnaces” require a high levelof maintenance with mechanical tracking systems and highly polishedmirrors. Parabolic Solar concentrators suffer from the same problems asmirror furnaces, although not as pronounced. However, parabolic systemsare not nearly as efficient as mirror furnaces because of energy lossthrough piping. Piping is very failure prone due to thermal expansionand contraction. Flat Solar Concentrators as exhibited in U.S. Pat. No.4,078,548 Kapany require large amounts of insulation and are notefficient enough for large-scale operations. They are typically used aspool water heaters and solar water heaters. They also suffer from pipingproblems. Freezing temperatures can also rupture these pipes.Furthermore, phase changes in systems of the present invention result inincreased efficiency (e.g., when water in the piping reaches boilingpoint, the steam is substantially more efficient in turning turbine1040).

Given the scalability of the light collection methods and apparatuses ofthe present invention, there may be a need for a light controldistribution system to allow for more efficient routing and distributionof light in a large scale system. FIG. 15A illustrates a controldistribution system 1500 including a fiber input combiner 1505 forcombining a number of fibers from respective light collectors/arrays(405) into an output for beam control unit 1510. Beam control unit 1510may be controlled by a microprocessor 1515 that includes a number ofdata inputs 1525 for setting control parameters for controlling theamount, characteristics, etc., of light outputted to respective devicesby beam control unit 1510. As shown in FIG. 15B, fiber input combiner1505 may simply be multiple fibers combining into a single fiber wherethe light, or “signals,” of the respective multiple fibers are combinedinto the single fiber. As a result of such combinations, energy densityper fiber may be increased while reducing the number of fibers perbundle needed. Other methods of combining fibers may also be used (e.g.,thick fiber 1415 in beam control as shown in FIG. 14).

An electrical power generator (1000, shown in FIG. 10) and a centralizedlighting system (1100 and 1200, shown in FIGS. 11 and 12) in accordancewith respective embodiments of the invention have been described thusfar. However, the light collection methods of the present invention arenot limited to these embodiments and may be implemented in a widevariety of applications. In other words, arrays (405) of lightcollection units, or lenses, (120) may be connected to many differenttypes of systems other than electrical system 1000 and lighting systems1100 and 1200 for different uses of the collected light. A number ofexemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, light may bechanneled into a light absorbing medium, e.g. a carbon substrate, whichbecomes heated. Such a system can be used in conjunction with existinghousehold/industrial furnaces and space heaters, reducing load onexisting systems. Modified version of the solar thermal generator can beused to boil water, reducing load on existing water heaters.

FIG. 16 illustrates a heater 1600 utilizing light collected using one ormore arrays (405) of light collection units (120). As shown in FIG. 16,heater 1600 may include a water/air heat exchanger 1605 for transferringheat from water to air. Water from a solar boiler (not shown) that isheated using collected light may be exposed to cool air drawn in from anintake 1610 at water/air heat exchanger 1605. Water/air heat exchanger1605 may simply be a length of heat conducting water pipe(s) forexposing and transferring the heat from the water within to thesurrounding air, thus producing heated air at an air output 1615. Wateroutputted from water/air heat exchanger 1605 may be returned to thesolar boiler (not shown) for reheating. A gas burner 1620 may be used asa secondary system for heating the water in water/air heat exchanger1605 and/or the air at output 1615 directly. As an example, water/airheat exchanger 1605 may be realized using condenser 1050 of electricalpower system 1000 shown in FIG. 10 (where steam chamber 1020 is theinput source of heated water). Heater 1600 shown in FIG. 16 may be usedas a centralized heating system for a home, a commercial or industrialbuilding, etc. It may also be implemented in a standalone heatingapparatus, such as a dryer, a heater, a cooker, etc. where heated air isused.

FIG. 17 illustrates a solar oven 1700 in accordance with an embodimentof the invention. As shown in FIG. 17, solar oven 1700 may include afiber input 1705 and a dispersion lens 1710, where the collected light,for example, from array 405 is dispersed to a light absorbing medium,e.g., carbon/ceramic substrate (which is non-reflective, in contrast toa lighting fixture) 1715 for absorbing the light dispersed fromdispersion lens 1710. Substrate 1715 may be enclosed in an outerinsulation 1720 for preventing heat from escaping. A safety cover 1725may be provided for preventing injury by direct contact. Thus, radiantheat 1730 from substrate 1715 may be effective in heating an ovenchamber (not shown). Solar oven 1700 may be a standalone apparatusrelying upon solar energy, or it may be integrated to a gas orelectrical oven to form a hybrid having multiple energy sources. Inaddition, oven temperature may be controlled by adjusting the amount andcharacteristic of light at input 1705 and/or adjusting one or more suchalternative energy sources.

FIG. 18 shows a water heater (furnace or boiler) 1800 in accordance withan embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 18, water heater1800 includes a cold water intake 1805 where cold water is directedthrough a heating chamber 1810 to a hot water output 1815. Heatingchamber 1810 may include carbon pellets and/or any other suitabletype(s) of substrate for absorbing light dispersed by dispersion lens1820. The pellets (or substrate) in heating chamber 1810 thus, heats thewater from intake and the heated water is outputted at output 1815. Atemperature sensor 1825 may be included at output 1815 for providing afeedback signal to a temperature controller 1830 for controlling theamount and characteristic of light used for heating chamber 1810.Insulation 1835 may be used to prevent heat from escaping heatingchamber 1810. Filter screens 1840 may be used to contain the carbonpellets (or substrate), thus, forming heating chamber 1810.

Next, a high-temperature solar furnace is described with reference toFIG. 19. As shown in FIG. 19, one or more fibers carrying high-intensitycollected light may be connected to an input 1905 of a sphericalreflective furnace chamber 1910 with a semi-silver dispersion lens 1915disposed at input 1905 for dispersing the collected light into fturnacechamber 1910. Extremely high temperatures may be achieved by inputtinghigh-intensity collected light into such a reflective furnace chamber1910. Consequently, such furnace chamber 1910 may be used for anyhigh-temperature application, such as disposing of waste, smelting ore,etc.

As a variation of solar furnace 1910 shown in FIG. 19, collector arrays(405) may be connected to a boiler 2005 to form a solardistiller/desalination apparatus 2000, as illustrated in FIGS. 20A and20B. FIG. 20A shows a large-scale distiller 2000, and FIG. 20Billustrates a smaller-scale (e.g., household) distiller 2010 forproviding drinking water.

As shown in FIG. 20A, collector arrays 2015 are connected to a powerdistribution system 2020. Collector arrays 2015 and power distributionsystem 2000 may be similar to those of the previously describedembodiments (e.g., 405, and 710, respectively) of the present invention.The power outputted from power distribution system 2020 may heat boiler2005 having a water input (which may include any type of water source,e.g., salt water for desalination) 2025 where steam so generated isdirected to a distiller. In accordance with the present invention,condenser 1050 shown in FIG. 10 may also form a distiller via an output2030. For using condenser 1050 in FIG. 10 as a distiller, instead ofusing the closed steam-water loop shown in FIG. 10, distilled water maybe condensed from the excess steam from turning turbine 1040 andoutputted for use, and an external water source (not shown) may be usedto supply steam chamber 1020.

Referring now to FIG. 20B, collector arrays 2015 may be connected to anon/off switch 2035, which may be similar to cut-off switch 810 shown inFIG. 9. The output of on/off switch 2035 may be connected to aninsulated canister 2040 with reflective interior walls that can beopened and closed for supplying water thereto. Canister 2040 may containcarbon pellets or the like (any light absorbing substrate) 2045 forabsorbing the collected light from arrays 2015 and heating water togenerate steam. The steam from canister 2040 may, then, be directed to acondenser 2050 and then, a clean water reservoir 2055.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, TPV powermodules may be used for electrical power generation. As shown in FIG.21, a TPV power generation system 2100 may include a number of slots2105, 2110, and 2115 for housing a TPV power module 2120. Each TPV powermodule 2120 connected to respective slots 2105, 2110, and 2115 mayconvert collected light from fiber inputs 2125 into electrical energy,which is then outputted to a power inverter 2130. Power inverter 2130may, then, convert the Direct Current (DC) power from the TPV powermodules (2120) into Alternating Current (AC) output power 2135. TPVpower module 2120 may operate in a manner similar to cut-off switch 810shown in FIG. 9 in the “off” position. As shown in FIG. 21, TPV powermodule 2120 may include a dispersion prism 2140 for dispersing inputlight onto TPV cells 2145. A reflective layer may be disposed on theback surface of prism 2140 for preventing light from escaping andreflecting substantially all light onto TPV cells 2145. A carbon (oranother type) substrate 2155 may be disposed adjacent TPV cells 2145 forabsorbing any remaining spectra of light and radiating the resultingheat onto TPV cells 2145. The energy received by TPV cells 2145 may,thus, be converted into DC electrical power, which is outputted to powerinverter 2130 via output 2160. An exhaust fan 2165 may be used to drawcool air in from air input 2170 through heat sink 2175 to air output2180 for cooling TPV cells 2145 and for preventing overheating. TPVpower modules (2120) may be large-sized modules for industrial andlarge-scale commercial applications. TPV power (2120) modules may alsobe portable, powerful and cost effective, for residential and/orsmall-scale commercial use. As noted herein, TPV cells are approximately200 times more efficient than standard PVs and convert substantially allwavelengths into electrical energy. Thus, the use of TPV power modules(2120) in TPV power generation system 2120 may be one alternative topower system 1000 shown in FIG. 10. Although, as mentioned, herein,while TPV cells are extremely expensive, their increased efficiency canusually justify the increase in cost. TPV modules are scaleable tovirtually any application (i.e., Kilowatt, Megawatt). As mentionedherein, an alternative energy source (not shown), such as an integratedgas/oil burner, may complete TPV system 2100 by providing infra-red, orheat, to TPV cells 2145 when sufficient solar energy is not available.

Solar energy, or light energy, or light collection in accordance withthe present invention may also be accomplished using a large number ofcollection lenses dispersed across a wide area on fixtures, such asstreet lamps, for power generation. Such a system may be implementedwith relative convenience because fixtures such as street lamps arealready connected to a collection facility via existing infrastructure.

As illustrated in FIG. 22, a street lamp 2200 may include one or morecollection lens(es) 2205 with a fiber output 2210 to a power converterand controller (not shown), which may be a centralized or regionalcontroller. Collection lens(es) 2205 may be similar to lens 120 as shownin FIG. 2. Thus, lens(es) 2205 may also be similar to array 405 and thelike. Light energy may be converted to electrical power in accordancewith the present invention whereupon it is directed to a collectionchamber 2215. Collection chamber 2215 may be realized using source 1210of FIG. 13 or source 1100 of FIG. 11 where light from a light source(e.g., a lamp or light bulb) may be focused into a fiber 2220 anddirected to a light fixture 2225 of street lamp 2200. Advantageously,the light source (e.g., lamp or light bulb) in collection chamber 2215is located at the base of street lamp 2200, and maintenance is easedsubstantially (i.e., a light bulb can be changed at the base of streetlamp 2200). Street lamp 2200 according to the present invention may alsoimprove safety because collection lens 2205 and light fixture 2225 maybe made from relatively lightweight material. Thus, a heavy solidstructure is no longer needed to support a large lighting fixture at thetop of street lamp 2200.

As described herein, collection chamber 2215 may be realized usingsource 1210 of FIG. 13 or source 1100 of FIG. 11. Alternatively, FIG. 23illustrates collection chamber 2215 in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention. A light source (e.g., light bulb) 2305 may be mountedonto a detachable fixture 2310 that may be affixed to collection chamber2215. Fixture 2310 may include an external LED 2315 for indicating afailure of light source (light bulb) 2305 and, thus, signaling formaintenance. With fixture 2310 being affixed to collection chamber 2215,light source 2305 may be mounted at a center point of a focusingreflector 2320 for reflecting parallel beams of light 2322 from lightsource 2305. Collection chamber 2215 may include a primary lens 2325,and may further include a secondary lens 2330 for focusing the parallelbeams of light 2322 from focusing reflector 2320 into a fiber interface2335. A teardrop-shaped reflector 2340 may be disposed around primarylens 2325 and/or secondary lens 2330 to collect ambient (or scattered)light into fiber interface 2335.

As described herein, collection chamber 2215 may utilize, for example,source 1210 of FIG. 13 or source 1100 of FIG. 11. Alternatively,collection chamber 2215, as shown in FIG. 23, may be used as secondarysource 1210 in centralized lighting system 1200 shown in FIG. 12 orsource 1100 of FIG. 11. Thus, fiber interface 2335 may be connected to acentralized lighting controller, such as controller 1205 as shown FIG.12, or any reflector fixture, for example, light fixture 2225 shown inFIG. 22, through one or more optical fibers. In accordance with anembodiment of the invention, collection chamber 2215 may includereflective material throughout its interior surfaces. Light source 2305may be a standardized light bulb for easy replacement and minimizedcost, thus allowing for wide-spread use. The size and power (or voltage)of fixture 2310 may be altered to support different types of lightsource 2305 e.g., industrial sodium vapor, standard, halogen, orfluorescent lighting. Collection chamber 2215 is typically modular suchthat multiple chambers may be used in a system for lighting an area,such as a building, warehouse or stadium. Thus, lighting capacity ofsuch a system can easily be adjusted by changing the number of chambers,thereby allowing flexible customization of lighting systems for variousapplications and lighting needs.

Another advantage of collection chamber 2215 is that it allows for lightsource 2305 to be placed in a separate and accessible area for easymaintenance and for preventing heat buildup where lighting is needed.For example, fixtures may be located in hard-to-reach places forlighting an area, and maintenance need not be performed at these placesbut instead can be performed at chamber 2215 (which may be placed in abasement room or the like). Additionally, heat from light source 2305 issubstantially insulated from the lighted area. It is noted that thepower/lighting/heating systems and apparatuses of the present inventionmay be used in all types of applications in all types of settings. Forexample, the light collection method may be used for a desert-basedpower/heating plant (in., e.g., Arizona, Spain, Australia, beach orocean-side location, etc.), a power/heating system for mountainous areas(e.g., ski-lodges or hiking lodges in the Rockies, Alps, etc.), adesalination facility for water supply, etc.

FIG. 24 illustrates a further exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention where the light collection method is implemented in amodified, power generator or self-powered oil rig 2400. As shown in FIG.24, power generator/oil rig 2400 may include arrays 2405 of lightcollection (120) that are connected to and a heat a solar turbine togenerate electrical power (to shore or to self-power) or a drill rigdirectly. A cooling tower 2415 may be included to prevent overheating.Solar furnace 2410 may also be used for desalination (fish watersupply). Power cables (not shown) and/or optic fibers for transmittingcollected light (not shown) may be connected to shore for supplyingpower, light, heat, etc., to shore. Such cables/fibers may be disposedunder water or sea (ocean) floor to avoid exposure.

FIG. 25 illustrates a configuration of array 405 in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 25, array 405 may betilted to an angle for optimal light collection and/or for fitting thesurroundings. For example, array 405 may be place on a slanted roof of aresidence. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a cover(not shown) may be placed over array 405 or individual collectors (102)to prevent damage or buildup of interfering particles (e.g. dirt, snow,debris, etc.)

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a solar-boosted fusion assembly 2600 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 26, amultiple lens system 2605 may be used to focus light from one or morefibers 2610, which may be a collection of fibers such as fiber (110)and/or fiber output (815), into a focal point 2615 where a deuteriumbead may be placed. Thus, a large array (405) having a large number oflenses (120) may be used to utilize solar thermal energy to assist afusion reaction. Accordingly, a high intensity burst of concentratedsolar energy, which may be focused using lens system 2605, may be usedto initiate a reaction in deuterium bead (2615). Unused light may berecaptured by a collector 2620, which may be similar to lens (120),apparatus 1100, apparatus 1210, or a combination thereof. Collector 2620may also be realized by collector 3100 as will be described herein withreference to FIGS. 32A, 32B, 32C, and 32D.

Examples of principles for collecting solar light energy using theinventive design of lens (120) in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention will now be described in detail.

The determination of the overall dimensions of the optics lens collector120 may be accomplished through ray tracing. It has been determined thatconventional methods of solving this thick lens optics problem using thethick lens equations based on thin lens equations proves to beinadequate due to drastic assumptions made. The methods determined notvalid are the Gaussian and Newtonian forms of the lens equations. Bothare derived for thin lenses, but can be used for thick lensapproximations only. For comparison, a thick lens calculation isincluded. The position of given objects, in this case the sun, is formedby successive applications of the reflection and refraction at sphericalsurfaces. The premise of the following thick lens calculation is basedoff of the following simple optics theory. More appropriately calledtrigonometric, or geometrical optics. This includes incident raysparallel to the axis and incident rays taken with respect to thehorizon. One must note the intrinsic loses of reflection at sphericalsurfaces, therefore it is recommended that a decisive thin film ischosen to promote higher efficiency due to a higher transmission oflight energy. The less that is reflected the more that is transferred,etc. Thus, anti-reflective coating similar to those used in eyeglassesand other optics can be applied to minimize losses through reflectionthat occurs at the incident points throughout the collector system(i.e., collector unit surface, between layers, at the fiber interfacepoint, the collection chamber, etc.).

The travel of light through a surface (or interface) that separates twomedia is called refraction, and the light is said to be refracted.Unless an incident beam of light is perpendicular to a surface,refraction by the surface changes the light's direction of travel. Thebeam is said to be “bent” by refraction. Bending results only at thesurface resulting in an incident ray and reflected ray. Each ray isoriented to a line perpendicular to the surface called the “normal”. Theangle of incidence is θ₁, the angle of reflection is θ₁′, and the angleof refraction is θ₂.

Law of reflection: a reflected ray lies in the plane of incidence andhas an angle of reflection equal to the angle of incidence. Therefore:θ₁=θ₁′ (reflection),  (1)

Law of refraction: a refracted ray lies in the plane of incidence andhas an angle of refraction that is related the angle of incidence by:n₂ sin θ₂=n₁ sin θ₁(refraction),  (2)

where n₁ and n₂ are each a dimensionless constant known as the index ofrefraction.

This equation is also more familiar known as Snell's Law.

The index of refraction of a medium:n=c/v,  (3)

where v is the speed of light in that medium and c is tits speed invacuum.

To compare angle of incidence to angle of refraction rearrange equation(2) as:

$\begin{matrix}{{{\sin\;\theta_{2}} = {\frac{n_{1}}{n_{2}}\sin\;\theta}},} & (4)\end{matrix}$

The following three results could possibly take place.

1. if n₂=n₁, then θ₂=θ₁. Here the light beam is not bent in any manner.

2. if n₂>n₁, then θ₂<θ₁. Here Refraction bend the light beam toward thenormal.

3. if n₂<n₁, then θ₂>θ₁. Here the light beam is reflected away from thenormal.

The spreading of light, chromatic referring to the colors associatedwith the individual wavelengths and dispersion referring to thespreading of light according to its wavelengths or colors. Note that theindex of refraction n is depends on the wavelength, except in a vacuum.This implies that light of different wavelengths will be refracted atdifferent angles. This is important to capture any other wavelengths.This would be advantageous because if the sensor could capture energy ofdifferent wavelengths, then obviously more total energy could becaptured as opposed to just visible light. Regardless, the index ofrefraction in a given medium is greater for a shorter wavelength thanfor a longer wavelength. (Hence, blue light bends more than red light).White light consists primarily of components of all the colors in thespectrum with all predominantly uniform intensities, which include theaverage wavelength of a candle flame.

As the angle of incidence increases, the angle of refraction increases;which means that the refracted ray points directly along the interface.The angle of incidence giving this situation is called the criticalangle, θ_(c).

$\begin{matrix}{{\theta_{c} = {\sin^{- 1}\frac{n_{2}}{n_{1}}}},} & (5)\end{matrix}$

The Fresnel bright spot, similar to the corona around the moon, is acomposite of the diffraction patterns of airborne water drops. Therefracted wave fronts are not spherical; therefore, they do not allintersect at a common focal point. This is better known as sphericalaberration. Error results in large angles of incidence. Small incidentangle, known as paraxial rays, are assumed once the trigonometricequations become generalized into the algebraic equations. The algebraicequations assume the small angle assumption of the series expansion ofsin φ (higher order terms are neglected).

$\begin{matrix}{{{\sin\;\phi} = {\phi - \frac{\phi^{3}}{3!} + \frac{\phi^{5}}{5!} - {\cdot \ldots}}}\mspace{11mu},} & (6)\end{matrix}$

Assumption:sin φ=φ for small paraxial angles

The fraction of the incident light reflected from an air-glass boundarysurface is only of the order of a few percent; never the less, internalreflections at the surface reduce efficiency and can drastically bereduced to negligible amounts my nonreflecting coatings on the lenssurfaces. The indexes must be properly chosen to be some valueintermediate between that of air and the glass, so that equal quantitiesof light are reflected form its outer surface, and from the boundarysurface between it and the glass. The same phase change (180 degrees outof phase with the reflected wave from the second) must occur in eachreflection so complete destructive interference results. For the desiredpurpose of the present invention, a film thickness of ¼ the wavelengthof green/yellow (the wavelength of a candle flame) light would beappropriate reducing the loss of light energy through reflection byabout 4 to 5 percent. Gas refraction cavities may also provide analternative in this category.

For thick lens optics, ray tracing is the most effective method toestimation focal length with variant angles of incidence. It alsoreveals the focal “bright spot” location from the axis of symmetry. Thisin turn reveals the potential angle of usable exposure. Programs existaiding in this area. Several should be explored, and will be necessaryupon implementation of a multi-lens optical system, Fresnel lens, andfiber optics (total internal refraction/reflection losses).

FIG. 27 shows an example of a spherical lens, as used for lens 120, forillustrating thick lens optics as employed in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 27,

at (spherical) surface 01: and at (flat) surface 02: R₁ = 6 cm R₂ = ∞  n = 1.41${\frac{n_{1}}{s_{2}} + \frac{1}{s_{2}^{\prime}}} = \frac{1 - n}{R_{2}}$${\frac{1}{s_{1}} + \frac{n}{s_{1}^{\prime}}} = \frac{n - 1}{R_{1}}$${\frac{1.41}{{- 14.63415}\mspace{14mu}{cm}} + \frac{1}{s_{2}^{\prime}}} = \frac{1 - 1.41}{\infty}$${\frac{1}{\infty} + \frac{1.41}{s_{1}^{\prime}}} = \frac{1.41 - 1}{6\mspace{14mu}{cm}}$s₂′ = 10.37883 cm s₁′ = 20.63415 cm s₂ = t − s₁′   = 6 cm − 20.63415 cm  = −14.63415 cm

The second focal point F′ lies 10.37883 cm to the right of the secondvertex (lens surface two). In this specific case the vertex is thecenter of curvature. Note, however, that the thick lens calculation isaccurate only within the small angle series expansion approximationstated above (angles of approximately fifteen degrees (15°) or less).

FIGS. 28A, 28B, 28C, and 28D form a table showing the results of anglecalculations for a spherical lens, e.g., lens 120, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention, as illustrated by FIGS. 27, 29, and 30.

FIG. 29 shows a quarter sphere lens for illustrating geometriccalculations therefor.

As shown in FIG. 29, at (spherical) surface 01:

n₁sin  θ₁ = n₂sin  θ₂$\theta_{2} = {A\;{\sin\left( {{\frac{n_{1}}{n_{2}} \cdot \sin}\;\theta_{1}} \right)}}$ϕ = 180^(∘) − 90^(∘) − γ  where  γ = θ₁ − θ₂ϕ = 180^(∘) − 90^(∘) − (θ₁ − θ₂) θ₃ = 90^(∘) − ϕ therefore, θ₃ = θ₁ − θ₂

and at (flat) surface 02:

n₁sin  θ₃ = n₂sin  θ₄$\theta_{4} = {A\;{\sin\left( {{\frac{n_{1}}{n_{2}} \cdot \sin}\;\theta_{3}} \right)}}$H = r sin  θ₁ X = r cos  θ₁ y = X tan  θ₃ h = H − yZ = h tan (90^(∘) − θ₄)

FIG. 30 shows a hemisphere lens for illustrating geometric generalizedcalculation for any angle β.

As shown in FIG. 30,

at (spherical) surface 01:

β = 0^(∘) − 90^(∘)  Angle  of  light  from  horizon.θ₁ = α − β$\theta_{2} = {A\;{\sin\left( {{\frac{n_{1}}{n_{2}} \cdot \sin}\;\theta_{1}} \right)}}$ρ = 180^(∘) − 90^(∘) − α $\begin{matrix}{\psi = {\rho + \theta_{2}}} \\{= {\left( {{90{^\circ}} - \alpha} \right) + \theta_{2}}}\end{matrix}$ $\begin{matrix}{\phi = {{180{^\circ}} - {90{^\circ}} - \psi}} \\{= {{180{^\circ}} - {90{^\circ}} - \left( {{90{^\circ}} - \alpha + \theta_{2}} \right)}} \\{= {\alpha - \theta_{2}}}\end{matrix}$ ${therefore},\begin{matrix}{\theta_{3} = {{90{^\circ}} - \phi}} \\{= {{90{^\circ}} - \alpha + \theta_{2}}}\end{matrix}$and at (flat) surface 02:

$\theta_{4} = {A\;{\sin\left( {{\frac{n_{2}}{n_{1}} \cdot \sin}\;\theta_{3}} \right)}}$$\begin{matrix}{w = {{180{^\circ}} - \phi - \theta_{2}}} \\{= {{180{^\circ}} - \left( {\alpha - \theta_{2}} \right) - \theta_{2}}} \\{= {{180{^\circ}} - \alpha}}\end{matrix}$ M = r cos  α x = r sin  α$l = \frac{r\;\sin\; w}{\sin\;\phi}$ y = l cos  ϕ T = y − MS = Z tan  θ₄ Δ Q = S + T

It is noted that for the calculations shown in FIG. 30, incident raysare taken with respect to the horizon. It may be assumed that focallength Z is constant with changing sum position. This is valid becausethe source light is taken to be infinity. FIGS. 28A, 28B, 28C, and 28Dshow the usable range of light discriminated among the values not markedby “#NUM!”.

Thus, a hemispherical collector, such as lens (120), of dimension radiusof approximately 6 centimeters (cm) to 61 centimeters (cm) may bepreferable. The optimal index of refraction for a 6 cm lens based on thedata collected from FIGS. 27 to 30 is 1.41. The optimal focal regionresides within the following limits of this lens: 8 cm to 10 cm. Thisproves effective, as an acceptable range of adjustment is needed tooptimize each series of collectors. A sensor of 1 cm should properlydetect incident ray angles of 68° to 120° from the horizon. This revealsthe actual angle of usable exposure to be a cone of 44°. This correlatesto approximately 2.93 hrs of active exposure. This does not, however,take into account repositioning of the collector. With subsequentrepositioning of the sensor, it is estimated that approximately 8 hoursof exposure could be obtained.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, multiple lenses maybe used, instead of a single lens (120), for improved precision infocusing incoming light similar to lens system 2605 shown in FIG. 26. Asignificant drawback of the multi-lens system 2605 is that it may bebulky and may require high precision optics, which can be expensiveand/or intolerant to variations in temperature and vibration. In suchcases, the focus within the lens system may be adversely affected. Inaddition, multi-lens system may require a mechanical tracking method formonitoring and tracking a light source for optimum light collection,which may further contribute to the complexity, weight, size, etc., ofthe system. Finally, a multi-lens system must be sealed because dirt,and/or debris and/or moisture between the lenses could seriously degradeperformance of the system.

It is typically preferable that a multi-layered spherical lens system,as shown in FIG. 31. Multi-layered lens 3105 may include a first layer3110 including a material having a refractive index of n₁ and a secondlayer 3115 including a material having a refractive index of n₂. Lens3105 is preferably a single refractive unit with its layers injectionmolded so that it may be resistant to thermal variation. Furthermore,since lens 3105 is a single unit, it does not require any sealing. Thus,lens 3105 may be used in place of lens 120 and/or collector 2620, asdescribed herein.

Lens 3105 having multiple stages (or layers) (3110 and 3115) withvarying optical properties allow for improved operating angle andtighter focusing, i.e., higher efficiency. Each stage (layer) of lenssystem may be accounted for using the mathematical description providedabove.

Since the radius of curvature is substantially identical for all layers3110 and 3115, varying the n (index of refraction) would affect the‘focus’ of layers 3110 and 3115. The index of refraction (n) woulddictate the radius of a unit (radius) which may be equal to the focuslength of a lens. Unit has a single focal point from any point of originabove the critical angle, thus it is self-focusing. A fiber optic cable(e.g., 110) secured at the focal point (origin of sphere) may bepositioned to gather all solar energy (visible light and infraredwavelengths). Refraction bends both visible and infrared waves. Theprinciple of total internal reflection prevents the unit fromfunctioning when the light source falls below a critical angle, whichvaries by the n. In order to minimize this effect, the outermost layer(e.g., 3110) of the unit may have the lowest n (with the lowest criticalangle) and each successive layer (e.g., 3115) may have a higher n forincreased focusing ability (while minimizing the radius of the unit3105). For example, n₂ may be greater than n₁, n₁<n₂, which may both begreater than n₀, index of refraction of air (=1.0008). This designallows the unit (3105) to be very compact and also have minimaloperating constraint (critical angle) and superior resolving capabilitydue to its consecutive internal layers (smaller ‘lenses’ have a moreprecise focus). The unit (3105) may be constructed from multiplematerials, as exhibited in the multistage collector. In order toincrease operating angles and prevent energy losses from the criticalangle, a multiple of materials can be used in one lens. A multistagecollector allows for tighter focus of incoming light, increasedoperational angle, and improved energy concentration while minimizingthe size of the unit. Since multiple materials are bonded to be a singleunit the device is compact, maintenance free and extremely durable, aswell as being immune to thermal variations, which can affect theresolving performance of existing systems due to expansion andcontraction.

FIGS. 32A, 32B, 32C, and 32D illustrate a collector assembly 3100 forusing multi-layered lens 3105 in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. Collector 3100 may be used for the functionality oflens (120) and/or collector (2620). As shown in FIG. 32A, lens 3105 mayfurther include a final stage 3120 at the focal point of lens 3105.Final stage 3120 according to an embodiment of the invention will bedescribed in further detail with reference to FIGS. 33A, 33B, and 33C.As shown in FIG. 32A, a Fresnel lens 3125 may be placed below lens 3105for focusing ambient light that has not been focused to final stage3120. FIG. 32B is a bottom view illustrating a view of Fresnel lens3125. Fresnel lens 3125 may be integrated to lens 3105 as a single unit(which may be injection or vacuum molded.)

A tube 3130 for carrying fiber (110) may include a reflective surfacefor trapping light into the fiber (110). Collector lens unit 3100 mayfurther include a rear collector 3135, which may be cone shaped (i.e.,forming a frustum of a cone), with a reflective (e.g., silver) innersurface for reflecting ambient light that is not focused to final stage3120 into tube 3130 and the fiber (110) carried therein. Advantageously,cone-shaped rear collector 3135 may continuously reflect ambient lighttowards tube 3130 down to the bottom thereof (e.g., similar to a funnel)where fiber 110 is output. A transparent section 3140 may further beincluded to act as a focusing lens to concentrate all light collected byrear collector 3135 to fiber 110.

Thus, the reflective area of rear collector 3135 may be defined byArea=π×(r ₁ +r ₂)×√{square root over ((r ₁ −r ₂)² +h ²)},  (7)

where r1 is the radius of the larger circle (top circle at interfacewith lens 3105 and Fresnel lens 3125); r2 is the radius of the smallercircle (the bottom circle where fiber 110 is output); and h is theheight of the cone section (rear collector 3135).

As shown in FIG. 32C, ambient light may be focused with Fresnel lens3125 at the bottom of lens 3105. Fresnel lens 3125 may further focuslight minimizing a number of reflections (“bounces”) on rear collector3135 before the ambient light reaches tube 3130 and the fiber (110)carried therein, thus maximizing the power transferred to the fiber(110).

FIG. 32D illustrates collector assembly 3100 with a varying numberstages (or layers) (and thickness of each of such stages) for itscollector lens 3105. As shown in FIG. 32D, collectors lens 3105 mayinclude a number of stages (or layers) a and b, etc. down to final stage3120. It is noted that n_(avg) (the average of the n's (indexes ofrefraction) of the stages) may be considered as the n of lens 3105 as iflens 3105 were a single stage lens (e.g., 120), except that lens 3105may have a substantially reduced critical angle and better focus. It isnoted that a higher n_(avg) would allow for a smaller lens 3105 that ismore efficient. In any event, the number of stages (or layers), theradius, the n's of respective stages, and the distance between thestages, etc., of the lens unit (3105) may all be varied depending on theusage requirements, environment, etc. The n of the materials used in thecollector (e.g., 120 or 3105), whether single or multistage, can becontrolled through the combination of multiple materials with differentn (i.e., mixing a low index glass and higher index quartz, varying thevolume of either material to raise or lower the index) to form a new‘blend’ of material that has the precise index of refraction desired.Suspensions of solutions can also be used to control n in a similarmanner. It is also noted that anti-reflective material may be usedbetween the stages to minimize reflection therebetween.

Referring now to FIGS. 33A, 33B, and 33C, final stage (layer) 3120 maybe made of a high index material to be used to tighten the light (solar)beam at the base of the collector lens (120 or 3105) just above thefocal point at the origin to further focus incoming solar energyminimizing the target area for placing the transmission fiber (110).This reduces the number of fibers needed per collector unit byincreasing energy density per fiber.

Final stage 3120 also serves another purpose of bending all the incominglight rays within the numerical aperture (“NA”) of the fiber (110). Asshown in FIG. 33A, the critical angle of final stage 3120 may be set bysetting n_(final) (index of refraction of final stage 3120) so that θ isequal to or less than the maximum angle of reflection of fiber 110.Thus, accounting for refraction at the medium crossover and the indexesof refraction of final stage 3120, n_(final), and fiber 110, n_(fiber),respectively, the critical angle may be lowered even further ifn_(final)<n_(fiber), as shown in FIG. 33B.

FIG. 33 C illustrates the entry of light rays into fiber 110 where θmax, the maximum angle of reflection at the border between the core 3305and the clad 3310 of fiber 110, is dictated by the NA of fiber 110,which is defined by:NA=√{square root over ((N ₁)²−(N ₂)²)}{square root over ((N ₁)²−(N₂)²)},  (8)

where N₁ and N₂ are the indexes of refraction of core 3305 and clad3310, respectively.

This provides optimum efficiency as the rays travel inside the fiber(110). Otherwise, if any rays were to exceed the NA, they would passthrough the wall of the fiber (110) and be lost instead of reflectingdown its length.

FIGS. 34A, 34B, and 34C illustrate an additional shape that may be usedfor collector lens (120 or 3100) in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. FIGS. 34A and 34B are side views of collector lens unit 3400similar to lenses 120 and 3105, as described herein, but having a cutoffshape where lens material is cut off below the critical angle of thecollector lens 3400 (e.g., 102 or 3105). Additional sections 3405 havinga Fresnel surface similar to Fresnel lens 3125 may be added below thecritical angle for increasing the range of light collection of unit3400. FIG. 34C shows a top view of sections 3405. As shown in FIG. 34C,sections 3405 may also be in a cutoff shape with respect to a path ofthe sun such that collection material is used only to face the sun onits path from East to West during the course of a day. Thus, collectorunit 3400 and sections 3405 may be mounted to correspond to a dailycycle such that it faces the sun as it moves along during the course ofa day (i.e., sections 3405 would face the direction where the sun risesand sets on the horizon). This alignment may be affected by thealtitude, the location (latitude) etc., at which collector 3400 andsections 3405 are to be mounted. It may further be continuously adjusted(e.g., by an automatic device) on a seasonal cycle for tracking theshifts of the sun's path for the different seasons. Advantageously,collector lens 3400 with the shape shown in FIGS. 34A, 34B, and 34C maybe extremely lightweight, efficient, and adaptable to differentenvironments and conditions.

A further embodiment of the present invention increases collection oflight energy, or solar energy, by disposing a plurality of fibers, suchas optical fibers, relative to a lens such that as the angle of energyrays that are collected changes relative to the time of day, aparticular fiber will have an optimal exposure to the energy rays. Thefibers are used to collect and transmit solar energy or light energy,which is typically gathered by a collection apparatus, as describedherein. Typically the fibers are fabricated from a conductive material.The increased collection capability can be accomplished by arranging thefibers such that each fiber has maximum exposure in a sequence that is afunction of the incoming light energy. This embodiment is advantageoussince a collector can be mounted virtually anywhere and does not requireany moving parts since the position of the plurality of fibers enablesincreased, collection. Also, the lens may be fabricated from a pluralityof materials to optimize collection of light energy.

The disposition of fibers enables the surface area of fibers to beincreased thereby increasing a quantity of received light energy thatcan then be transmitted. Each fiber may have a coefficient of energycollection. The coefficient of energy collection is a capability tocollect light energy, or solar energy. This coefficient is a function ofone or more of: a fiber's position relative to the surface of the lens;fiber diameter; and fiber constituent materials.

In addition to the disposition of fibers and the collection coefficientof each fiber, a lens can be used to facilitate enhanced collection oflight energy. The lens is fabricated from a plurality of materials.Typically, the lens includes a vinyl-based material, such as an acrylicmaterial, which is disposed as a center portion, or region, and issurrounded by one or more rings of one or more polymeric materials. Thepolymeric material may be, for example, a thermoplastic material, suchas polycarbonate, or polysilicon material, which is disposed at aperipheral region, or peripheral area, relative to the center portion.

It is an embodiment of the present invention that the lens, as describedherein, may be fabricated by mounting a first polymeric material in anannular or surrounding or concentric relationship to the center portion.One or more other polymeric material portions, which may comprise thesame polymeric material or a different polymeric material, may bemounted in additional annular, or concentric rings relative to the firstpolymeric material. The polymeric portions may be adhered to the acrylicmaterial and/or another polymeric portion using a suitable adhesivecompound such as epoxy or other resin that can bond desired portions ofthe lens. The adhesion material may also have refractive properties,which are factored into the lens functionality. Indeed, it is anembodiment of the present invention that the adhesion material isselected and applied at particular regions to produce desired refractivecharacteristics of the lens. Heat fusion, thermo-welding and/orco-extrusion may also be used to form the lens. For example, a die witha slot may be used to extrude the lens material, which may includeacrylic and polymeric portions to form a center portion and peripheralportions as described herein.

Alternatively, the lens, as described herein, may be formed bystretching portions of the polymeric materials, thereby modifying thesurface area and refractive properties. The stretching procedure may beperformed prior to, during, or after the adhesion or bonding processdescribed above.

FIG. 35 shows a side view of a lens 3500 that can be used with acollection apparatus according to the present invention. Axis 3502 andaxis 3504 define the collection boundaries for the lens 3500. Theseboundaries 3502 and 3504 form a region in which light energy may becollected Light energy rays 3506 and 3508 are examples of two lightenergy rays received by the lens 3500. As shown in FIG. 35, these rays3506 and 3508 originate from disparate points and are focused intocollector region 3510. For example, ray 3506 may be from sunlight in themorning and ray 3508 may be from sunlight in the evening. Region 3510 istypically a collection point of the lens 3500. This collection point3510 may have a plurality of fibers used to collect the light energyfrom rays 3506 and 3508. Bands 3512, 3514, 3516 and 3518 are areas, orregions, of the lens 3500, which are typically at the periphery, or edgeportions of the lens 3500. Each band, or region interfaces with theincoming rays, or incident light energy such that the light energy isfocused to collector region 3510.

For example, region 3518 may be fabricated from a transparentthermoplastic material, or glass material, or an acrylic material, orheat-resistant glass, for example, PYREX®, or other suitabletransparent, semi-transparent or translucent material. Region 3518 has afirst refractive index (n₀) and focuses the incoming light energy as afunction of the refractive index. Region 3518 may be a center region orarea of the lens.

Region 3516 may be fabricated from a polymeric material, such aspolycarbonate, polysilicon, or modified glass material or a secondacrylic material, different than region 3518. Region 3516 has anassociated refractive index (n₁) and focuses the incoming light energyas a function of the refractive index. Typically n₁ is greater than n₀,such that the incoming light energy, which is received at a differentangle, will be focused to maximize the collection of energy. The region3516 may be disposed at the periphery of the region 3518

Region 3514 may also be fabricated from a polymeric material, such aspolycarbonate, polysilicon or modified glass material or acrylicmaterial, different that region 3518 and may also be different from thatof region 3516. Region 3514 has an associated refractive index (n₂) andfocuses the incoming light energy as a function of the refractive index.Typically n₂ is greater than n₁, such that the incoming light energy,which is received at a different angle, will be focused to maximize thecollection of energy. Region 3514 may be disposed at the periphery ofregion 3516.

Region 3512 may be fabricated from a polymeric material, or modifiedglass material or acrylic material, as described above, different or thesame as other regions of the lens. Region 3512 has an associatedrefractive index (n₃) and focuses the incoming light energy as afunction of the refractive index. Typically n₃ is greater than n₂, suchthat the incoming light energy, which is received at a different angle,will be focused to maximize the collection of energy. Region 3512 may bedisposed at the periphery of region 3514. Thus, as shown by FIG. 35, thecenter portion has the lowest index of refraction and the portionssurrounding the center portion have increasingly higher indices ofrefraction. The amount of increase in the refractive indices can be afixed or variable quantity.

Alternatively, the lens can be fabricated such that the indices ofrefraction do not increase. For example, n₀ could be less than n₁; butn₂ could be less than n₁. Additional permutations of the relative valuesof the indices of refraction are other alternate embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 36 shows the interaction of light from a light source, such as thesun, with the lens 3640 of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 36shows an are 3620 of the light energy, as the earth changes positionrelative to the sun during a day. The direction of arrow 3620 shows thatthe light energy is received by the lens 3640 at a plurality of angles.Line 3622 shows energy is focused at focal point 3654, which may then becollected by one or more fibers, as discussed herein. Similarly, ray3624 is also focused at focal point 3654. Rays 3622 and 3624 aredirected as a function of lens regions 3632 and 3634, which typicallyhave unique corresponding indices of refraction. As the earth rotatesaround the sun during the day, light energy, for example 3626, which isa result of the sun being closer to the center of the lens, is focusedby region 3638. However, when the incoming light rays do not originatesuch that the rays interact with the center region 3638 of the lens3640, collection efficiency decreases because, for example, the angle ofray 3628 does not optimally align with focal point 3654. Ray 3630 haseven less optimal collection since the angle of reception results inless light energy reaching focal point 3654. Thus, regions 3642, 3644and 3646, each being fabricated from a material, such as a polymer, andhaving a corresponding index of refraction enhances the collection oflight energy by focusing the light toward focal point 3654. This isaccomplished by bending or refracting the light energy to direct ittoward focal point 3654.

FIG. 37 shows a top view 3700 of a lens. The surface of the lens has aplurality regions, each having an associated indices of refraction.Specifically 3712(a) and (b) relate to index of refraction n₃; 3714(a)and (b) relate to index of refraction n₂; 3716(a) and (b) relate toindex of refraction n₁; 3718 relate to index of refraction n₀.Typically, n₃ is greater than n₂, which is greater than n₁, which isgreater than n₀. The composite make-up of the lens enables light energyto be diffracted at various angles.

FIG. 38 shows a front to back view of a lens 3800, which is coupled to afiber assembly 3840, which is mounted in proximity to the focal point3854. The fiber assembly 3840 has a plurality of fibers, each fiberpositioned to have maximum collection at a particular refractive indexto collect light energy 3820. As shown in FIG. 38, 3812(a) and (b) are aregion having an index of refraction n₃; 3814(a) and (b) are a regionhaving an index of refraction n₂; 3816(a) and (b) are a region having anindex of refraction n₁; and 3818 is a region having an index ofrefraction n₀. Typically, region 3818 is the center portion and isfabricated from glass, or acrylic or PYREX®. Regions 3812, 3814 and 3816are peripheral regions.

FIG. 39 shows collector 3900 with lens surface 3902 and fibers 3904(a) .. . (n) (where n is any suitable number). Each fiber, generally 3904 isdisposed relative to a corresponding section of the lens 3902. Forexample, 3906(a) relates to fiber 3940(a). Each fiber 3904 is positionedsuch that as light energy is received by lens surface 3902, a fiber willhave the highest collection ratio or coefficient. For example, whenlight energy is received at an angle, fiber 3904(a) may be the mostefficient collector. However, as the angle of the incoming light energychanges, a fiber near the center of the lens surface 3902 may be themost efficient collector. Thus, as the sunlight changes reception angle,the apparatus 3900 will have a fiber available for collection of energy.The fibers 3904 may be of different size diameter and may be spacedapart from each other a predetermined distance to maximize collectioncapability.

FIG. 40 shows a side view 4000 of a plurality of fibers coupledtogether. Fibers 4004(a) . . . (n) (where n is any suitable number) arecoupled in a bundle 4008, such that a single fiber 4006 may be used totransmit the collected energy. Distal portions 4021(a) . . . (n) offibers 4004(a) . . . (n) are typically coupled to, or joined to, a lenssurface, as described herein. The plurality of fibers, generally 4004,are joined at junction 4010, which may be a flexible joint, or pivotpoint such that lens 4002 may be adjusted, moved or re-directed tomaximize collection of light energy.

FIG. 41 shows a perspective view 4100 of a collection panel 4110 forcollecting solar energy. The collection panel 4110 typically includes aplurality of collection devices 4105, which include the lens 4102 andfibers 4104. The panel 4110 collects solar energy from sunlight 4120.

FIG. 42 shows a perspective view 4200 of a collection apparatusaccording to the present invention. The lens 4202 has a substantiallyU-shape and a plurality of fibers 4204 that are coupled into a singlefiber 4240 to collect thermal energy 4220, which is typically sunlight.The coupling 4240 permits the fibers and lens to move as shown byelements 4264 and 4262. Thus, the fibers and lens are less susceptibleto damage or breaking because they exhibit flexibility.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those madeapparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and,because certain changes may be made in carrying out the above method(s)and in the construction(s) set forth without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained inthe above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

1. An apparatus for collecting energy comprising: a substantiallyspherical lens adapted to focus light received from a source of light toa focus area without requiring repositioning of the lens; and aplurality of fibers for receiving light having passed through the lens,each fiber disposed in a first predetermined relationship to otherfibers and each fiber disposed in a second predetermined relationship tothe lens; wherein the first predetermined relationship and the secondpredetermined relationship enable each fiber to have a specific energycollecting coefficient as a function of a shape of the lens and aposition of the source of light such that at least one fiber is able tomaximally collect energy.
 2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1,wherein the source of light moves in a predetermined path.
 3. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lens is mounted to acollector that has a substantially U-shape.
 4. The apparatus as claimedin claim 1, wherein the lens has a convex surface exposed to a firstportion of the plurality of fibers.
 5. The apparatus as claimed in claim1, wherein the second predetermined relationship is a function of afocal point of the lens.
 6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe plurality of fibers is coupled to a single fiber.
 7. An apparatusfor collecting solar energy comprising: a substantially spherical lensfor receiving and focusing solar energy to a focus area, the lens havinga curved surface portion and not requiring repositioning; and aplurality of fibers for receiving light having passed through the lensarranged such that each fiber is disposed at a predetermined positionrelative to the curved surface portion of the lens, wherein thepredetermined position is a function of the focal point of the lens andeach fiber has a maximum collection capability as a function of time. 8.The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the lens receives solarenergy from the sun and the maximum collection capability is a functionof the position of the sun.
 9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7,wherein the maximum collection capability is performed in a sequence.10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the sequence is afunction of a position of each fiber.
 11. A light collection apparatuscomprising: a substantially spherical lens for focusing a light sourceto a focus area; the lens having a first portion fabricated from a firstmaterial, the first material having an associated index of refraction;the lens having a second portion fabricated from a second material, thesecond material having an associated index of refraction, wherein thesecond index of refraction is higher than the first index of refraction;and a plurality of fibers for receiving light having passed through thelens, each fiber disposed in a first predetermined relationship to otherfibers and each fiber disposed in a second predetermined relationship tothe lens; wherein the first predetermined relationship and the secondpredetermined relationship enable each fiber to have a specific energycollecting coefficient as a function of a shape of the lens and aposition of the source of light such that at least one fiber is able tomaximally collect energy.